The L.A. Times music blog

Album review: George Strait's 'Here for a Good Time'

At 59 and with 38 studio albums under his belt, country kingpin George Strait has picked up the songwriting ball comparatively late in life, but he’s running with it full tilt.

On his previous outing, 2009’s "Twang," Strait and his son, Bubba, crafted three songs, unusual for a man who had previously relied overwhelmingly on songs from other writers. This time he’s co-written seven of the 11 songs, with a couple of noteworthy results.

"Drinkin’ Man" is a -- no pun intended -- sobering look at the steep price an alcoholic pays because of his disease, allowing Strait to grapple with a topic that carries the kind of weight he doesn’t often try to heft. In the closing track, "I’ll Remember You," he delivers a heartfelt look back at his 30-year career, tipping his Resistol hat to the fans who’ve supported him along the way. It undoubtedly will make for a big moment at his live shows.

Most of the rest of the material is classic Strait-style lite country, his eminently easygoing tenor effortlessly handling songs that skim the surface rather than plumb the depths of life. In doing so, at least he keeps the promise of the album’s title.